Fabulous warm weather can mean more than your share of summer bug bites. Good thing there are a variety of chemical-free options that can keep bugs at bay and soothe the bites that you already have.

Natural Products to Prevent Bug Bites
Most conventional bug-killing products contain powerful chemical insecticides. The most popular, DEET, comes with a warning that you should wash it off your skin immediately when you return home and avoid breathing it into your lungs. Think about it: if the synthetic chemical kills mosquitoes, do you really want it on your skin? Worse yet, a study from Duke University Medical Center shows that DEET causes brain cell death and behavioral changes in rats after frequent and prolonged use. Thankfully, there are natural solutions that feature a combination of essential oils to keep bugs away.

Look for various natural DEET-free formulas, in spray bottles or handy towelette wipes, that combine essential plant oils like geranium, cinnamon, catnip, lemongrass and citronella for the longest lasting natural protection available.

Please note: if you are switching from a chemical-based bug repellent, you may have to apply a natural solution more often than you are used to since it doesn’t contain hardcore insecticides.

If you are looking for something that you can take internally to fight bug bites, Vitamin B-1 (thiamine) may be what you are looking for. Researchers say that it releases a smell through your skin that mosquitos dislike. You can take a Vitamin B-1 supplement (check with your doctor) or you can find it in foods like rice and blackstrap molasses.

Natural Products to Soothe Bug Bites
If you already have summer bug bites, you can use some natural products to help fight the itchiness and swelling. If your bites are severe, make sure to contact your health care physician to make sure that you don’t have anything serious going on. For minor bug bites you can utilize homeopathic and plant based remedies to help them to feel better faster. Apis Mellifica, Calendula and Aloe Vera are well-known tools that help to eases pain from red, swollen bites.

Also, there is something you might already have on hand that can help your bug bites. Good ol’ Vitamin C is great to help fight inflammation, swelling and redness due to minor bug bites.

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Insect bite treatment

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